JP4952804B2 - Immersion exposure apparatus and immersion exposure method - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus and method for maintaining immersion fluid (212) in the gap adjacent the projection lens (16) during the exchange of a work piece (208) in a lithography machine (10) is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes an optical assembly (16) configured to project an image onto a work piece (208) and a stage assembly (202) including a work piece table (204) configured to support the work piece (208) adjacent the optical assembly (16). An environmental system (26) is provided to supply and remove an immersion fluid (212) from a gap between the optical assembly (16) and the work piece (208) on the stage assembly (202). After exposure of the work piece (208) is complete, an exchange system (216) removes the work piece (208) and replaces it with a second work piece. An immersion fluid containment system (214) is provided to maintain the immersion liquid (212) in the gap during removal of the first work piece (208) and replacement with the second work piece.

Description

  This application claims priority from provisional application 60 / 462,499, filed April 11, 2003, entitled “Landing Pad for Immersion Lithography”. The contents of that application are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

  Lithographic systems are commonly used in semiconductor manufacturing processes to transfer an image from a reticle onto a semiconductor wafer. A typical lithography system includes an optical assembly, a reticle stage for holding a reticle defining a pattern, a wafer stage for positioning a semiconductor wafer, and a measurement system for accurately monitoring the position of the reticle and wafer. And have. During operation, the image defined by the reticle is projected onto the wafer by the optical assembly. The projected image is typically the size of one or more dies (sections) on the wafer. After exposure, the wafer stage assembly moves the wafer and another exposure is performed. This process is repeated until all dies on the wafer have been exposed. The wafer is then removed and replaced with a new wafer at that location.

  Immersion lithography systems utilize a layer of immersion fluid that completely fills the gap between the optical assembly and the wafer during exposure of the wafer. The optical properties of the immersion fluid, along with the optical assembly, allow projections of a size that is smaller than is currently possible using conventional optical lithography systems. For example, immersion lithography is currently considered as a next-generation semiconductor technology of 65 nm, 45 nm, and beyond. As such, immersion lithography represents a technically important breakthrough that will continue to use optical lithography in the foreseeable future.

  After the wafer is exposed, the exposed wafer is removed and replaced with a new wafer. Currently considered in an immersion system is to remove the immersion fluid from the gap and refill it after the wafer has been replaced. More specifically, when the wafer is replaced, fluid supply to the gap is stopped, fluid is removed from the gap (eg, by vacuum), the old wafer is removed, and the new wafer is positioned and optical Placed below the assembly, the gap is then refilled with fresh immersion fluid. After all the above steps are completed, a new wafer exposure can be started.

International Publication No. 99/49504 Pamphlet

  As described above, wafer replacement in immersion lithography is problematic for a number of reasons. By repeatedly filling and discharging the fluid in the gap, fluctuations in the immersion fluid may be caused, and bubbles may be formed in the immersion fluid. Bubbles and unstable flow may interfere with the projection of the reticle image onto the wafer, thereby reducing production. The entire process also includes many steps, which is time consuming and reduces the overall throughput of the device.

  Accordingly, there is a need for an apparatus and method for maintaining immersion fluid in a gap adjacent to a projection lens when the wafer stage is moved away from the projection lens, for example, during wafer replacement.

  An apparatus and method for maintaining immersion fluid in a gap adjacent a projection lens of a lithography machine is disclosed. The apparatus and method includes an optical assembly configured to project an image on a workpiece and a stage assembly including a workpiece table configured to support a workpiece adjacent to the optical assembly. . An environmental system is provided for supplying immersion fluid to the gap and for discharging immersion fluid therefrom. After exposure of the workpiece is complete, the exchange system removes the workpiece and replaces it with the second workpiece. An immersion fluid system is provided to maintain immersion fluid in the gap as the workpiece table moves away from the projection lens. Thus, when the first workpiece is replaced with the second workpiece, the gap need not be refilled with immersion fluid.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a lithography machine having features of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an immersion lithography machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional and top views of an immersion lithography machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. 4A and 4B are cross-sectional and top views of an immersion lithography machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. 5A and 5B are top views of two different twin wafer stages in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6A is a top view of a twin stage lithography machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. 6B-6E are a series of diagrams illustrating an example of wafer exchange according to the present invention. FIG. 7A is a flowchart illustrating a process for manufacturing a workpiece according to the present invention. FIG. 7B is a flowchart for explaining the workpiece processing in more detail.

  In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a lithography machine 10 having features of the present invention. The lithography machine 10 includes a frame 12, an illumination system 14 (illuminator), an optical assembly 16, a reticle stage assembly 18, a workpiece stage assembly 20, a measurement system 22, a control system 24, and a fluid environment system 26. Have The design of the elements of the lithography machine 10 can be modified to meet the design requirements of the lithography machine 10.

  In one embodiment, the lithography machine 10 is used to transfer an integrated circuit pattern (not shown) from a reticle 28 onto a semiconductor wafer 30 (shown in dotted lines). The lithography machine 10 is installed on an installation base 32, for example, the ground, a pedestal, a floor, or other support structure.

  In various embodiments of the present invention, the lithography machine 10 can be used as a scanning photolithography system that exposes a pattern of the reticle 28 onto the wafer 30 while driving the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 synchronously. . In the scanning lithography machine, reticle 28 is moved perpendicular to the optical axis of optical assembly 16 by reticle stage assembly 18, and wafer 30 is moved perpendicular to the optical axis of optical assembly 16 by wafer stage assembly 20. The The scanning of the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 is performed while the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 are moving synchronously.

  Alternatively, the lithography machine 10 may be a step-and-repeat type photolithography system that exposes the reticle 28 while the reticle 28 and the wafer 30 are stationary. In the step-and-repeat process, the wafer 30 is positioned in a fixed position relative to the reticle 28 and the optical assembly 16 while exposing individual areas. Subsequently, between successive exposure steps, the wafer 30 is moved along with the wafer stage assembly 20 one after another perpendicular to the optical axis of the optical assembly 16 so that the next region of the wafer 30 is moved to the optical assembly. 16 and the position corresponding to the reticle 28 for exposure. Following this process, the image of the reticle 28 is sequentially transferred to an area on the wafer 30, after which the next area of the wafer 30 is directed to a position corresponding to the optical assembly 16 and the reticle 28.

  However, the use of the lithography machine 10 shown in this application need not be limited to photolithography for semiconductor manufacturing. For example, the lithography machine 10 can be used as an LCD photolithography system that exposes a pattern of a liquid crystal display workpiece onto a rectangular glass substrate or a photolithography system for manufacturing a thin film magnetic head. Accordingly, in this application, the term “workpiece” is used broadly to refer to any device that can be patterned using lithographic methods, and is not limited to a wafer or LCD substrate.

  The apparatus frame 12 supports the elements of the lithography machine 10. The apparatus frame 12 shown in FIG. 1 supports the reticle stage assembly 18, the wafer stage assembly 20, the optical assembly 16, and the illumination system 14 above the installation base 32.

  The illumination system 14 includes an illumination source 34 and an illumination optics assembly 36. The illumination source 34 emits a beam of light energy. The illumination optical assembly 36 directs a beam of light energy from the illumination source 34 to the optical assembly 16. The beam selectively illuminates different portions of the reticle 28 to expose the wafer 30. In FIG. 1, the illumination source 34 is illustrated as being supported above the reticle stage assembly 18. However, typically, the illumination source 34 is fixed to one side of the apparatus frame 12 and the energy beam from the illumination source is directed above the reticle stage assembly 18 at the illumination optics assembly 36.

The illumination source 34 can be g-line (436 nm), i-line (365 nm), KrF excimer laser (248 nm), ArF excimer laser (193 nm) or F ₂ laser (157 nm). Alternatively, the illumination source 34 can generate charged particle beams or X-rays.

  The optical assembly 16 projects and / or focuses light transmitted through the reticle 28 onto the wafer 30. Depending on the design of the lithography machine 10, the optical assembly 16 can enlarge or reduce the image irradiated on the reticle 28. The optical assembly 16 need not be limited to a reduction system, and may be a magnification system of equal or greater magnification.

  In addition, it is possible to consider using a catadioptric optical system for exposure of a workpiece using vacuum ultraviolet light (VUV) having a wavelength of 200 nm or less. Examples of catadioptric optical systems are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-171054 and corresponding US Pat. No. 5,668,672 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-20195 and corresponding US. This is included in the disclosure of Japanese Patent No. 5,835,275. In these cases, the reflective optical workpiece can be a catadioptric optical system incorporating a beam splitter and concave mirror. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-334695 and its corresponding US Pat. No. 5,689,377 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-3039 and its corresponding US Pat. No. 873,605 (filing date: 1997). June 12) also uses a reflective-refractive optical system that incorporates a concave mirror or the like but does not have a beam distributor, which can also be used in the present invention. To the extent permitted, the disclosures in the Japanese patent applications described in the above US patents and patent publications are incorporated herein by reference.

  The reticle stage assembly 18 holds the reticle 28 relative to the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30 and positions the reticle 28 relative thereto. In one embodiment, the reticle stage assembly 18 includes a reticle stage 38 that holds a reticle 28, and a reticle stage drive assembly 40 that moves and positions the reticle stage 38 and the reticle 28.

  Each stage drive assembly 40, 44 can move the respective stage 38, 42 with three degrees of freedom, less than three degrees of freedom, and greater than three degrees of freedom. For example, in another embodiment, each stage drive assembly 40, 44 can move its respective stage 38, 42 with 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 degrees of freedom. Reticle stage drive assembly 40 and workpiece stage drive assembly 44 are each driven by a rotary motor, a voice coil motor, a linear motor that utilizes Lorentz force to generate a drive force, an electromagnetic drive, a planar motor, or other force. Have one or more drive machines.

  In a photolithography system, a linear motor (see US Pat. Nos. 5,623,853 or 5,528,118, further incorporated herein by reference) is a wafer stage assembly or reticle stage assembly. The linear motor may be an air levitation type using an air bearing or a magnetic levitation type using a Lorentz force or a reactance force. Further, the stage can be moved along a guide, and a guideless type stage that does not use a guide can be used.

  Alternatively, one of the stages may be driven by a planar motor. This planar motor drives a stage by an electromagnetic force generated by a magnet unit having magnets arranged two-dimensionally and an armature coil unit having coils arranged two-dimensionally at opposing positions. In this type of drive system, either the magnet unit or the armature coil unit is connected to the stage base, and the other unit is placed on the moving surface side of the stage.

  The movement of the stage described above creates a reaction force that will affect the performance of the photolithography system. The reaction force generated by the movement of the wafer (substrate) stage is mechanically applied to the floor (ground) by using a frame member as described in US Pat. No. 5,528,100 and JP-A-8-136475. Can metastasize. Further, the reaction force generated by the movement of the reticle (mask) stage is applied to the floor (ground) by using a frame member as described in US Pat. No. 5,874,820 and JP-A-8-330224. Can be mechanically transferred. To the extent allowed, US Pat. Nos. 5,528,100, 5,874,820 and JP-A-8-330224 are incorporated herein by reference.

  Measurement system 22 monitors the movement of reticle 28 and wafer 30 relative to optical assembly 16 or other reference. With this information, the control system 24 can control the reticle stage assembly 18 to accurately position it on the reticle 28 and control the workpiece stage assembly 20 to accurately position it on the wafer 30. The design of the measurement system 22 can be changed. For example, the measurement system 22 can use a multi-axis laser interferometer, encoder, mirror, and / or other measurement device.

  Control system 24 receives information from measurement system 22 and controls stage drive assemblies 18, 20 to accurately position reticle 28 and wafer 30. Further, the control system 24 can control the operation of the elements of the environmental system 26. The control system 24 can have one or more processors and circuits.

  The environmental system 26 controls the environment within a gap (not shown) between the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30. The gap includes an imaging region. The imaging area includes an area (area) adjacent to the area of the wafer 30 being exposed and an area (area) where the beam of light energy travels between the optical assembly 16 and the wafer 30. In this design, the environment system 26 can control the environment of the imaging region. The desired environment that is created and / or controlled in the gap by the environment system 26 can vary based on the design of the wafer 30 and the remaining elements of the lithography machine 10 including the illumination system 14. For example, the desired controlled environment can be a fluid such as water. Alternatively, the desired controlled environment can be another type of fluid such as a gas. In various embodiments, the gap may range from 0.1 mm to 10 mm at the height between the top surface of the wafer 30 and the optical element at the end of the optical assembly 16.

  In some embodiments, environmental system 26 fills the imaging region and the remainder of the gap with immersion fluid. The design of the environmental system 26 and the elements of the environmental system 26 can be varied. In different embodiments, the environmental system 26 uses a spray nozzle, electrokinetic sponge, porous material, etc. to supply and / or jet immersion fluid into the gap, and uses a vacuum pump, sponge, etc. to liquid out the gap. Remove immersion fluid. The design of the environmental system 26 can be changed. For example, immersion fluid can be ejected from one or more points at or near the gap. Further, the immersion fluid system may remove and / or discharge immersion fluid at one or more points at or near the end of the workpiece 30, gap and / or optical assembly 16. Can help. For more details on various environmental systems, see US Provisional Application No. 60 / 462,142, 2003, entitled “Immersion Lithography Fluid Control System,” filed April 9, 2003. US Provisional Application No. 60 / 462,112 and 2004 2 entitled "Vacuum Ring System and Wick Ring System for Immersion Lithography" filed on April 10, Reference is made to US Provisional Application No. 60/541/329, entitled “Nozzle Design for Immersion Lithography”, filed on May 2, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Part of the description.

  FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a lithography machine showing an embodiment of the present invention. The lithography machine 200 includes an optical assembly 16 and a stage assembly 202 having a wafer table 204 and a wafer stage 206. The wafer table 204 is configured to support a wafer 208 (or other type of workpiece) below the optical assembly 16. Environmental system 26 surrounding optical assembly 16 is used to supply immersion fluid 212 to and remove immersion fluid 212 from the gap between wafer 208 and the optical element at the end of optical assembly 16. A workpiece exchange system 216 comprising a wafer loader 218 (eg, a robot) and an alignment tool 220 (eg, a microscope and a CCD camera) is configured to take the wafer 208 on the wafer table 204 and replace it with a second wafer. . This is typically accomplished using a wafer loader 218 for lifting and removing the wafer 208 from the wafer table 204. Subsequently, a second wafer (not shown) is placed on the wafer chuck 218, aligned using the alignment tool 220, and then positioned below the optical assembly 16 on the wafer table 204.

  In this embodiment, the wafer stage 206 includes an immersion fluid maintenance system 214 configured to maintain the immersion fluid 212 in a gap adjacent to the last optical element of the optical assembly 16 during wafer exchange. The immersion fluid maintenance system 214 includes a pad 222 adjacent to the wafer table 204. A support member 224 provided between the pad 222 and the wafer stage 206 is used to support the pad 222. Wafer table 204 has a flat top surface that is flush with the surface of wafer 208. The pad 222 also has a flat top surface that is flush with the top surface of the wafer table 204 and the wafer surface. The pad 222 is positioned adjacent to the wafer table 204 with a very small gap (eg, 0.1-1.0 mm) so that the immersion fluid 212 moves between the wafer table 204 and the pad 222 without leaking. be able to. During the wafer exchange, the wafer stage 206 moves in the direction of arrow 226 and the pad 222 is below the optical assembly 16 instead of the wafer table 204 while maintaining fluid in the gap or maintaining the size of the fluid gap. Positioned on. After the new wafer is positioned, the wafer stage returns to its original position, the pad 222 is removed from the gap, and the second wafer is positioned below the optical assembly 16. In various embodiments, the pads 222 are disposed in close contact with the wafer table 204 without gaps. The vertical position and / or tilt of the wafer table 204 can be adjusted, and the surface of the wafer table is flush with the pad surface before the wafer table 204 is delivered from below the optical assembly 16. Maintaining the gap between the pad 222 and the optical assembly 16 is not limited to a wafer exchange operation. The pad 222 can be sized sufficiently to maintain the immersion fluid 212 in the gap between the pad 222 and the optical assembly 16 during an alignment or measurement operation. In these operations, a portion of the area occupied by immersion fluid 212 may be on the upper surface of wafer table 204.

  3A and 3B show a cross-sectional view and a plan view of another immersion lithography machine according to another embodiment of the present invention. The lithography machine 300 includes an optical assembly 16 and a stage assembly 302 that includes a wafer table 304 and a wafer stage 306. Wafer table 304 is configured to support wafer 308 (or another type of workpiece) below optical assembly 16. The environmental system 26 surrounding the optical assembly 16 is used to supply immersion fluid 312 to the gap between the wafer 308 and the bottom optical element of the optical assembly 16 and to remove the immersion fluid 312 therefrom. A workpiece exchange system 316 that includes a wafer loader 318 and an alignment tool 320 is configured to take the wafer 308 on the wafer table 304 and replace it with a second wafer. This is accomplished by using a wafer loader 318 to remove the wafer 308 from the wafer table 304. Subsequently, a second wafer (not shown) is placed on the wafer chuck 318 and aligned using the alignment tool 320 and then positioned below the optical assembly 16. As best shown in FIG. 3B, a set of motors 322 is used to drive a wafer assembly 302 including a wafer table 304 and a wafer stage 306 in two degrees of freedom (X and Y) during operation. As noted above, the motor 322 can be any type of motor, such as a linear motor, a rotary motor, or a voice coil motor.

  The immersion lithography machine 300 also includes an immersion fluid maintenance system 324 configured to maintain the immersion fluid 312 in the space below the optical assembly 16 while the wafer table 304 is away from the bottom of the optical assembly. . The immersion fluid maintenance system 324 includes a pad 326, a motor 328 and a control system 330. The pad 326 can be positioned adjacent to the optical assembly 16 and the wafer table 204. The wafer table 304 has a flat upper surface that is flush with the upper surface of the wafer 308. The pad 326 has a flat top surface that is flush with the top surface of the wafer table 304 and the wafer surface. The pad 326 is movable in the X and Y directions using a motor 328 controlled by the control system 330. The motor 328 can use any type of motor as well as the motor 322. The pad 326 is positioned below the optical assembly 16 when the wafer table 304 (wafer stage 306) is away from below the optical assembly 16. During the wafer exchange, the wafer table 304 moves away from the optical assembly 16. At the same time, the control system 330 commands the motor 328 to move the pad 326 on the wafer table 308 under the optical assembly 16. In this way, pad 326 maintains immersion fluid 312 in the lower gap of optical assembly 16. After the new wafer is aligned using the alignment tool 320, the wafer table 304 is repositioned below the optical assembly 16. At the same time, the control system 330 commands the motor 328 to withdraw the pad 326 from the gap while preventing leakage of the immersion fluid 312. During a wafer exchange operation, the control system 330 drives the wafer table 304 and pad 326 while maintaining a small gap between the wafer table 304 and pad 326 while the immersion fluid 312 below the optical assembly 16 is moved to the wafer. Move between table 304 and pad 326. Accordingly, immersion fluid maintenance system 324 maintains immersion fluid 312 in the gap during wafer exchange. In this embodiment, the wafer table 304 (wafer stage 306) and the pad 326 are individually operable. Therefore, the wafer table 326 is free to move while the immersion fluid 312 is maintained in the space between the pad 326 and the optical assembly 16. In various embodiments of the present invention, the control system 330 may be a separate control system or may be incorporated into a control system used to control the motor 322 for positioning the wafer stage 302 and wafer table 304. . Adjust the vertical position and / or tilt of at least one of wafer table 304 and pad 326 so that the surface of the wafer table is flush with the surface of the pad before the wafer table is delivered from below the optical assembly. Good. The operation of moving the wafer table 304 away from the optical assembly 16 need not be limited to the wafer exchange operation. For example, alignment operations, measurement operations or other operations may be performed while maintaining the immersion fluid 312 in the space between the pad 326 and the optical assembly 16.

  4A and 4B, two cross-sectional views of an immersion lithography machine are shown. The lithography machine 400 includes an optical assembly 16 and a stage assembly 402 that includes a wafer table 404 and a wafer stage 406. The wafer table 404 is configured to support a wafer 408 (or other type of workpiece) below the optical assembly 16. Environmental system 26 surrounding optical assembly 16 is used to supply immersion fluid 412 to and remove immersion fluid 412 from the gap between wafer 408 and the bottom optical element of optical assembly 16. A workpiece exchange system 416 including a wafer loader 418 and an alignment tool 420 is configured to take the wafer 408 on the wafer table 404 and replace it with a second wafer. This is accomplished by removing the wafer 408 from the wafer table 404 using the wafer loader 418. A second wafer (not shown) is then placed on the wafer chuck 418, aligned using the alignment tool 420, and then positioned below the optical assembly 16 as shown in FIG. 4A.

  The immersion lithography machine 400 also includes an immersion fluid maintenance system 424 that is configured to maintain the immersion fluid 412 in a space below the optical assembly 16 while the wafer table 404 is away from below the optical assembly 16. Including. The immersion fluid maintenance system 424 includes a pad 426, a first clamp 428 installed on the optical assembly 16, and a second clamp 430 installed on the wafer table 404. When the immersion fluid 412 is between the optical assembly 16 and the wafer table 404 (or wafer 408), the pad 426 is held in place on the wafer table 404 by the second clamp 430. When the wafer table 404 is away from the optical assembly 16, such as during a wafer change operation, the pad 426 is detached from the wafer table 404 and held by the first clamp 428, and between the optical assembly 16 and the pad 426. The immersion fluid 412 is maintained. Wafer table 404 has a flat top surface that is flush with the surface of wafer 408. The pad 426 supported on the wafer table 404 also has a flat top surface that is flush with the top surface of the wafer table 404 and the wafer surface. Accordingly, the immersion pad 426 and the wafer 408 can move below the optical assembly without leaking immersion fluid. In various embodiments, the clamps 428 and 430 can be vacuum clamps, magnetic clamps, electrostatic clamps, or mechanical clamps.

  As best shown in FIG. 4A, the pad 426 is positioned on the wafer table 404 during exposure of the wafer 408. A second clamp 430 is used to hold the pad 426 in place on the table 404 during wafer exposure. During a wafer change as shown in FIG. 4B, the wafer table 404 moves in the direction of arrow 432 to position the pad 432 below the optical assembly 16 instead of the wafer 408. In this case, the first clamp 428 clamps the pad 426 to the optical assembly 16 while the second clamp 430 holding the pad 426 on the wafer table 404 is open. As a result, the immersion fluid 412 is maintained below the optical assembly while the wafer 408 is replaced. After the new wafer is aligned, the wafer table 404 is moved in the opposite direction of arrow 432 and the new wafer is positioned below the optical assembly. Prior to this operation, the first clamp 428 is released, and the second clamp 430 fixes the pad 426 to the wafer table 404 again. In the present embodiment, the wafer table 404 is freely movable while the pad 426 is clamped by the first clamp 428.

  In various embodiments, the operation in which the pad 426 is clamped by the first clamp 428 is not limited to a wafer exchange operation. An alignment operation, a measurement operation, or other operation can be performed while the immersion fluid 312 is maintained in the space between the optical assembly 16 and the pad 426 secured by the first clamp 428. Also, the clamp 428 can be provided on the frame 12 or other support member, and the clamp 430 can be provided on the wafer stage 406. The pad 426 can be held on a movable member other than the stage assembly 402.

  5A and 5B are plan views of two different twin stage immersion lithography systems according to other embodiments of the present invention. See US Pat. No. 6,262,796 and US Pat. No. 6,341,007 for the basic structure and operation of a twin stage lithography system. To the extent permitted, the disclosures of US Pat. No. 6,262,796 and US Pat. No. 6,341,007 are incorporated herein by reference. In both embodiments, a pair of wafer stages W1 and W2 are shown. Using the motor 502, the two stages WS1 and WS2 are moved or positioned in the horizontal direction. On the other hand, using the motor 504, the stages WS1 and WS2 are moved or positioned in the vertical direction. Motors 502 and 504 are used to alternately position one stage below optical assembly 16 and perform wafer exchange and positioning on another stage. When the exposure of the wafer below the optical assembly 16 is complete, the two stages are swapped and the above process is repeated. Various embodiments of the present invention for maintaining immersion fluid in the lower gap of the optical assembly 16, as previously described and illustrated in connection with FIGS. Can be used for either twin stage structure. For example, in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 2, each wafer stage SW1 and SW2 of either FIG. 5A or 5B can be modified to include a pad 222 and a support member 224. In connection with the embodiment of FIG. 3, a single pad 326, motor 328 and control system 330 can be used adjacent to the optical assembly 16. The pad 326 can operate separately from the stages SW1 and SW2. Pad 326 moves below optical assembly 16 to maintain immersion fluid 312 below optical assembly 16 while stages SW1 and SW2 are swapped. Finally, for the embodiment of FIG. 4, a single removable pad can be used. While the stages SW1 and SW2 are swapped, the pad 426 is used to maintain immersion fluid in the gap, as shown in FIG. 4B. On the other hand, during exposure, the pad is clamped onto a wafer table on the wafer stage being exposed. In this way, only a single pad is required for the two stages WS1 and WS2. Alternatively, the second stage can be used as a pad, as will be described below.

  FIG. 6A shows a plan view of a twin stage lithography machine showing one embodiment for carrying out the present invention. In the present embodiment, the immersion lithography system 600 includes a first stage 604 and a second stage 606. The two stages are moved in the X and Y directions by the motor 602. In this embodiment, stages 604 and 606 themselves are used to maintain immersion fluid in the gap. For example, as shown in the figure, the first stage 604 is positioned below the optical assembly 16. When the workpiece is replaced, the motor 602 is used to position the second stage 606 with the second workpiece adjacent to the first stage 604. With two stages placed in close proximity, they substantially form a continuous surface. Then, by moving the two stages together using the motor 602, the second stage 604 is positioned below the optical assembly 16, and the first stage is no longer below the optical assembly 16. Therefore, when the first workpiece leaves the optical assembly 16, the immersion fluid in the gap is maintained by a second stage that forms a substantially continuous surface with the first stage. In other various embodiments, the second stage 606 includes a pad that is used to maintain immersion fluid in the gap while the second workpiece is placed on the first stage. It is also possible. Similarly, the motor configuration shown in either FIG. 5A or 5B can be used.

  With reference to FIGS. 6B-6E, a series of diagrams depicting workpiece replacement in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is shown. FIG. 6B shows the wafer on stage 604 after the exposure is complete. FIG. 6C shows the second stage 606 in contact with (or immediately adjacent to) the first stage 604 below the optical assembly 16. FIG. 6C shows the happening repositioning, ie, the second stage 606 is positioned below the optical assembly 16. Finally, in FIG. 6E, the first stage 604 moves away from the optical assembly 16. As best illustrated in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the two stages 604 and 606 provide a continuous surface below the optical assembly 16 during repositioning, thus maintaining immersion fluid in the gap. In the illustrated embodiment, the second stage 606 is a pad stage. However, this stage can also be a workpiece stage as described above.

  In the various embodiments described above, the pad may be made of a plurality of different materials such as ceramics, metal, plastic. According to other embodiments, these materials may be coated with Teflon. Also, the pad should be large enough to cover the area occupied by the immersion fluid. In the various embodiments described above, the surface of the optical element at the end of the optical assembly 16 is always in an immersion fluid environment while preventing the formation of fluid marks (so-called “a water marks”).

  A semiconductor wafer can be manufactured using the system described above, generally by the process shown in FIG. 7A. In step 701, the function and performance characteristics of the workpiece are designed. Next, in step 702, a mask (reticle) having a pattern is designed according to the previous design process, and in parallel step 703, the wafer is manufactured from a silicon material. The mask pattern designed in step 702 is exposed in step 704 onto the wafer manufactured in step 703 by the photolithography system previously described according to the present invention. In step 705, the semiconductor workpiece is assembled (including a dicing step, a bonding step, and a packaging step), and finally the workpiece is inspected in step 606.

  FIG. 7B shows an example of a detailed flowchart of step 704 in the case of semiconductor workpiece manufacture. In FIG. 7B, in step 711 (oxidation step), the wafer surface is oxidized. In step 712 (CVD step), an insulating thin film is formed on the wafer surface. In step 713 (electrode formation step), electrodes are formed on the wafer surface by vapor deposition. In step 714 (ion implantation step), ions are implanted into the wafer. The above steps 711-714 form a pre-processing step for the wafer being processed, and each step is selected according to the processing request.

  At each stage of the wafer processing, when the pre-processing process is completed, the following post-processing process is executed. During the post-processing step, first, in step 715 (photoresist formation step), a photoresist is applied to the wafer. Next, in step 716 (exposure step), the circuit pattern of the mask (reticle) is transferred to the wafer using the exposure workpiece. Thereafter, in step 717 (developing step), the exposed wafer is developed, and in step 718 (etching step), portions other than the remaining photoresist (exposed material surface) are removed by etching. In step 719 (photoresist removal step), unnecessary photoresist remaining after etching is removed.

  Multiple circuit patterns are formed by repeating these pre-processing steps and post-processing steps.

  The particular lithographic machine shown and disclosed in this application can adequately achieve the goals and provide the advantages previously described herein, but it is merely a presently preferred implementation of the invention. It is to be understood that the forms are exemplary and not intended to be limited to the details of construction or design shown herein other than as described in the appended claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Lithographic machine, 16 ... Optical assembly, 202 ... Stage assembly, 204 ... Workpiece table

Claims (102)

An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A table that is movable relative to the optical member and on which the substrate is placed;
Instead of the table, so that immersion liquid is substantially maintained in a space directly under the optical member when the table moves away from below the optical member. A member that can be positioned so as to face the member;
An immersion exposure apparatus in which the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction before the table leaves the optical member.   The table and the member are respectively positioned so as to face the optical member, so that the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member, and the immersion liquid is substantially maintained below the optical member. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A table on which the substrate is placed;
A member that can be positioned facing the optical member,
Each of the table and the member is positioned opposite to the optical member to maintain an immersion liquid immediately below the optical member,
The member is positioned opposite the optical member in place of the table so that the table separates from below the optical member;
An immersion exposure apparatus in which the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in a vertical direction before the table leaves the optical member.   The table and the member that are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction are moved with respect to the optical member, and the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of the above. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A table on which the substrate is placed;
A member that can be positioned facing the optical member,
The table and the member are moved relative to each other in an inclined and / or vertical direction and are moved relative to the optical member, and the optical member is positioned by facing the optical member instead of the table. An immersion exposure apparatus in which an immersion liquid is maintained immediately below a member.   The optical member in a state where the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or vertically moved so that the surfaces thereof are substantially flush and the surfaces are substantially flush. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is moved with respect to the surface. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A table on which the substrate is placed;
A member that can be positioned facing the optical member,
The table and the member are relatively inclined and / or vertically moved so that the surface of the table positioned facing the optical member and the surface of the member are substantially flush with each other, In addition, the immersion liquid is moved directly below the optical member by the member which is moved with respect to the optical member in a state where the surface is substantially flush with the optical member and is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table Is an immersion exposure apparatus in which   From the first state in which the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the table positioned facing the optical member, the liquid immersion is directly below the optical member by the member positioned facing the optical member. The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member so as to transition to a second state in which liquid is maintained, and are relatively inclined and / or vertical before the transition to the second state. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is moved to the position. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A table that is movable relative to the optical member and on which the substrate is placed;
A member movable relative to the table,
Transition from the first state in which the immersion liquid is maintained in the space between the optical member and the table to the second state in which the immersion liquid is maintained in the space between the optical member and the member. In addition, while maintaining the immersion liquid in the space immediately below the optical member, the member is replaced with the table, and prior to the replacement, the table and the member are relatively moved in an inclined and / or vertical direction. Immersion exposure equipment. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A table on which the substrate is placed;
A member that can be positioned facing the optical member,
The table is changed from a first state in which immersion liquid is maintained between the optical member and the table to a second state in which immersion liquid is maintained between the optical member and the member. And the member is an immersion exposure apparatus that is moved relative to the optical member and that is relatively inclined and / or vertically moved before the transition to the second state.   The liquid immersion according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in a vertical direction in a state where the table is positioned to face the optical member. Exposure device.   The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state where the table is positioned to face the optical member, and the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of 1 to 11.   The table and the member are moved relative to each other in an inclined and / or vertical direction before the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to 1.   The liquid according to claim 1, wherein the table and the member are moved relative to the optical member until the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. Immersion exposure equipment.   The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state where they are juxtaposed or close to each other, and the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of the above.   The said member is moved so that it may be juxtaposed with respect to the said table positioned facing the said optical member, The said juxtaposed table and member are moved with respect to the said optical member. Immersion exposure equipment.   The immersion exposure according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the member is moved relative to the table such that a surface thereof is juxtaposed with a surface of the table positioned opposite to the optical member. apparatus.   The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state where the member is close to the table positioned to face the optical member.   19. The liquid immersion according to claim 18, wherein the member is moved so as to approach the table positioned opposite to the optical member, and the approaching table and member are moved relative to the optical member. Exposure device.   The table and the member are moved relative to the immersion liquid maintained between the optical member and the optical member below the optical member, and are immersed directly below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the liquid is maintained.   The table and the member are disposed below the optical member while substantially maintaining an immersion liquid directly below the optical member, or substantially maintaining contact between the optical member and the immersion liquid. 21. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the immersion liquid is moved relative to the immersion liquid, and the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member instead of the table.   The table and the member are moved relative to the immersion liquid below the optical member, and the immersion liquid is transferred from the table to the member while being substantially maintained directly below the optical member. An immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 21.   The said table | surface positioned facing the said optical member moves the board | substrate previously described with respect to the immersion liquid below the said optical member relatively. Immersion exposure equipment.   24. While one of the table and the member is positioned to face the optical member, the other of the table and the member is disposed away from directly below the optical member. The immersion exposure apparatus according to 1.   In the replacement of the table positioned opposite the optical member with the member, immersion liquid is substantially maintained immediately below the optical member, or the optical member is substantially in contact with the immersion liquid. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the immersion exposure apparatus is maintained on an automatic basis.   The table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member such that a boundary thereof passes under the immersion liquid, and the immersion liquid is directly below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 25, which is maintained.   The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state of being close to each other or arranged with a gap therebetween, and the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 26.   28. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state of being close to each other so that the immersion liquid is substantially maintained immediately below the optical member.   28. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member such that the gap passes under the immersion liquid.   The table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member such that opposite edges of the table and the member pass under the immersion liquid, and the immersion liquid is directly below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 29, which is maintained.   The table and the member are moved substantially simultaneously with respect to the optical member, and the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure apparatus according to one item.   The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 31, wherein the table and the member form a substantially continuous surface in movement relative to the optical member.   The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member includes a stage different from a substrate stage having the table.   34. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the different stage has a table on which a substrate on which the exposure is performed is placed.   34. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 33, wherein the different stage includes a pad stage configured to support a pad for maintaining an immersion liquid immediately below the optical member.   The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the member is provided on a substrate stage having the table. The two tables are alternately positioned facing the optical member by a stage assembly having two tables each including a table on which a substrate is placed,
The liquid immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 34, wherein the member is the other of the two tables, one of which is positioned to face the optical member. The two tables are alternately positioned facing the optical member by a stage assembly having two tables each including a table on which a substrate is placed,
36. The liquid immersion according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the member is positioned to face the optical member in the middle of positioning the other of the two tables to face the optical member instead of one of the two tables. Exposure device.   The immersion exposure according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein the table is movable away from directly below the optical member while immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member. apparatus.   40. The table according to claim 1, wherein an operation different from the exposure operation of the substrate is performed away from the optical member while the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member. The immersion exposure apparatus according to one item.   41. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 40, wherein the different operations include loading and / or unloading of the substrate.   The member is positioned away from the bottom of the optical member during exposure of a substrate placed on the table or while the table is positioned facing the optical member. The immersion exposure apparatus according to Item. An alignment system that is arranged away from the optical member in a predetermined direction and performs alignment of the substrate;
43. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 42, wherein the member is positioned apart from the optical member directly in the predetermined direction while the table is positioned facing the optical member. An alignment system for aligning the substrate,
44. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 43, wherein an alignment of a substrate placed on the table is performed by the alignment system while the member is positioned to face the optical member. An exchange system for exchanging the substrate placed on the table;
45. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 44, wherein a substrate placed on the table is exchanged by the exchange system while the member is positioned facing the optical member. While the table is positioned facing the optical member, exposure of the substrate placed on the table is performed via the optical member and immersion liquid,
46. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the exposed substrate placed on the table is exchanged by the exchange system while the member is positioned to face the optical member. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A first stage having a table on which the substrate is placed;
A second stage movable relative to the first stage,
The first and second stages are moved relative to the optical member relative to the optical member in a state where the first stage is positioned facing the optical member, and are moved relative to the optical member. An immersion exposure apparatus in which an immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the second stage positioned to face the optical member instead of one stage. An immersion exposure apparatus that exposes a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
A first stage having a table on which the substrate is placed;
A second stage movable relative to the first stage,
Transition from a first state in which immersion liquid is maintained between the optical member and the first stage to a second state in which immersion liquid is maintained between the optical member and the second stage. The first and second stages are moved relative to the optical member, and are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction before the transition to the second state.   The first and second stages are relatively inclined and / or vertically moved so that the surfaces thereof are substantially flush with each other, and the optical surfaces are in a state where the surfaces are substantially flush with each other. 49. The immersion exposure apparatus according to claim 47 or 48, which is moved with respect to the member.   50. The immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 47 to 49, wherein the first and second stages are moved relative to the optical member in a state where they are juxtaposed to each other or close to each other. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
Positioning the substrate opposite the optical member by a table on which the substrate is placed;
When the table on which the substrate has been exposed through the optical member and the immersion liquid leaves the bottom of the optical member, the immersion liquid is substantially maintained immediately below the optical member. Instead of facing the optical member, positioning a member that is movable relative to the table,
An immersion exposure method in which the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction before the table leaves the optical member.   The table and the member are respectively positioned so as to face the optical member, so that the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member, and the immersion liquid is substantially maintained below the optical member. 52. The immersion exposure method according to claim 51, wherein the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
Positioning the substrate placed above by facing the optical member by a table on which the substrate is placed;
Instead of the table, a member that can be positioned facing the optical member is separated from the bottom of the optical member in order to separate the table on which the substrate placed previously is exposed via the optical member and the immersion liquid. Positioning the optical member opposite to the optical member,
Each of the table and the member is positioned opposite to the optical member to maintain an immersion liquid immediately below the optical member,
An immersion exposure method in which the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction before the table leaves the optical member.   54. The table and member moved in the relatively inclined and / or vertical direction are moved with respect to the optical member, and the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to any one of the above. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
Positioning the substrate placed above by facing the optical member by a table on which the substrate is placed;
The table on which the substrate placed above is exposed via the optical member and the immersion liquid, and the member that can be positioned to face the optical member are relatively moved in an inclined and / or vertical direction. And moving with respect to the optical member,
An immersion exposure method in which an immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member positioned to face the optical member instead of the table.   The optical member in a state where the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or vertically moved so that the surfaces thereof are substantially flush and the surfaces are substantially flush. The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 55, which is moved with respect to the liquid crystal display. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
Positioning the substrate placed above by facing the optical member by a table on which the substrate is placed;
The table on which the substrate placed above is exposed via the optical member and the immersion liquid, and the member that can be positioned to face the optical member. The surface and the surface of the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction so as to be substantially flush with each other, and the surface is substantially flush with respect to the optical member. Moving, and
An immersion exposure method in which an immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member positioned to face the optical member instead of the table.   From the first state in which the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the table positioned facing the optical member, the liquid immersion is directly below the optical member by the member positioned facing the optical member. The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member so as to transition to a second state in which liquid is maintained, and are relatively inclined and / or vertical before the transition to the second state. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 57, wherein An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
Positioning the substrate opposite the optical member by a table on which the substrate is placed;
Exposing the substrate through the optical member and immersion liquid;
From the first state where the immersion liquid is maintained in the space between the optical member and the table, the immersion liquid is maintained in the space between the optical member and the member movable relative to the table. Replacing the member with the table while maintaining immersion liquid in the space immediately below the optical member so as to transition to the second state.
Prior to the replacement, an immersion exposure method in which the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in the vertical direction. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
Positioning the substrate placed above by facing the optical member by a table on which the substrate is placed;
From the first state in which the immersion liquid is maintained between the optical member and the table on which the substrate placed above is exposed via the optical member and the immersion liquid, the optical member and the optical Moving the table and the member relative to the optical member so as to transition to a second state in which immersion liquid is maintained between the member and a positionable member.
The liquid immersion exposure method, wherein the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in a vertical direction before transition to the second state.   61. The liquid immersion according to any one of claims 51 to 60, wherein the table and the member are relatively inclined and / or moved in a vertical direction in a state where the table is positioned to face the optical member. Exposure method.   The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state where the table is positioned to face the optical member, and the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of 51 to 61.   63. The table and the member are moved relative to each other in an inclined and / or vertical direction before the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to 1.   The liquid according to any one of claims 51 to 63, wherein the table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member until the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. Immersion exposure method.   The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state in which they are juxtaposed or close to each other, and the member is positioned to face the optical member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to any one of the above.   66. The member according to claim 65, wherein the member is moved to be juxtaposed with respect to the table positioned opposite the optical member, and the juxtaposed table and member are moved with respect to the optical member. Immersion exposure method.   67. Immersion exposure according to claim 65 or 66, wherein the member is moved relative to the table such that its surface is juxtaposed with the surface of the table positioned opposite the optical member. Method.   66. The liquid immersion exposure method according to claim 65, wherein the table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member in a state where the member approaches the table positioned to face the optical member.   69. The liquid immersion according to claim 68, wherein the member is moved so as to approach the table positioned opposite the optical member, and the approaching table and member are moved relative to the optical member. Exposure method.   The table and the member are moved relative to the immersion liquid maintained between the optical member and the optical member below the optical member, and are immersed directly below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 69, wherein the liquid is maintained.   The table and the member are disposed below the optical member while substantially maintaining an immersion liquid directly below the optical member, or substantially maintaining contact between the optical member and the immersion liquid. 71. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 70, wherein the immersion liquid is moved relative to an immersion liquid, and the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member instead of the table.   The table and the member are moved relative to the immersion liquid below the optical member, and the immersion liquid is transferred from the table to the member while being substantially maintained directly below the optical member. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 71.   The said table positioned facing the said optical member moves the board | substrate previously described with respect to the immersion liquid below the said optical member relatively. Immersion exposure method.   74. While one of the table and the member is positioned to face the optical member, the other of the table and the member is disposed away from directly below the optical member. The immersion exposure method according to 1.   In the replacement of the table positioned opposite the optical member with the member, immersion liquid is substantially maintained immediately below the optical member, or the optical member is substantially in contact with the immersion liquid. 75. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 74, wherein the immersion exposure method is maintained on an automatic basis.   The table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member such that a boundary thereof passes under the immersion liquid, and the immersion liquid is directly below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 75, which is maintained.   The table and the member are moved relative to the optical member in a state of being close to each other or arranged with a gap therebetween, and the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 76.   78. The immersion exposure method according to claim 77, wherein the table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member in a state of being close to each other so that the immersion liquid is substantially maintained immediately below the optical member.   78. The immersion exposure method according to claim 77, wherein the table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member such that the gap passes under the immersion liquid.   The table and the member are moved with respect to the optical member such that opposite edges of the table and the member pass under the immersion liquid, and the immersion liquid is directly below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 79, which is maintained.   The table and the member are moved substantially simultaneously with respect to the optical member, and the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member instead of the table. The immersion exposure method according to one item.   The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 81, wherein the table and the member form a substantially continuous surface in movement with respect to the optical member.   The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 82, wherein the member includes a stage different from a substrate stage having the table.   84. The liquid immersion exposure method according to claim 83, wherein the different stage has a table on which a substrate on which the exposure is performed is placed.   84. The immersion exposure method according to claim 83, wherein the different stage includes a pad stage configured to support a pad for maintaining an immersion liquid immediately below the optical member.   The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 82, wherein the member is provided on a substrate stage having the table. The two tables are alternately positioned facing the optical member by a stage assembly having two tables each including a table on which a substrate is placed,
85. The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 84, wherein the member is the other of the two tables, one of which is positioned facing the optical member. The two tables are alternately positioned facing the optical member by a stage assembly having two tables each including a table on which a substrate is placed,
The liquid immersion according to any one of claims 51 to 85, wherein the member is positioned to face the optical member in the middle of positioning the other of the two tables to face the optical member instead of one of the two tables. Exposure method.   The immersion exposure according to any one of claims 51 to 88, wherein the table is movable away from directly below the optical member while immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member. Method.   90. The table is moved away from directly below the optical member while the immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the member, and an operation different from the exposure operation of the substrate is performed. The immersion exposure method according to one item.   The liquid immersion exposure method according to claim 90, wherein the different operations include loading and / or unloading of the substrate.   The member is positioned away from the bottom of the optical member during exposure of a substrate placed on the table or while the table is positioned facing the optical member. The immersion exposure method according to item. The alignment of the substrate is performed by an alignment system disposed in a predetermined direction with respect to the optical member,
The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 92, wherein the member is positioned away from the optical member directly in the predetermined direction while the table is positioned to face the optical member.   94. The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 93, wherein alignment of a substrate placed on the table is performed by an alignment system while the member is positioned facing the optical member.   The immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 94, wherein the substrate placed on the table is exchanged by an exchange system while the member is positioned to face the optical member. While the table is positioned facing the optical member, exposure of the substrate placed on the table is performed via the optical member and immersion liquid,
96. The immersion exposure method according to claim 95, wherein the exposed substrate placed on the table is exchanged by the exchange system while the member is positioned facing the optical member. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
The first stage having a table on which the substrate is placed can position the substrate placed in front of the optical member;
The first stage on which the substrate placed above is exposed via the optical member and an immersion liquid, and the second stage movable relative to the first stage, the first stage being the optical member And moving relative to the optical member relative to the optical member while being positioned relative to the optical member, and moving relative to the optical member,
An immersion exposure method in which an immersion liquid is maintained immediately below the optical member by the second stage positioned opposite to the optical member instead of the first stage. An immersion exposure method for exposing a substrate with an exposure beam through an optical member,
The first stage having a table on which the substrate is placed can position the substrate placed in front of the optical member;
From the first state in which immersion liquid is maintained between the optical member and the first stage on which the substrate placed previously is exposed via the optical member and immersion liquid, the optical member, The first and second stages are moved relative to the optical member so as to transition to a second state in which the immersion liquid is maintained between the second stage and a second stage that can move relative to the first stage. Including,
An immersion exposure method in which the first and second stages are relatively inclined and / or moved in a vertical direction before transition to the second state.   The first and second stages are relatively inclined and / or vertically moved so that the surfaces thereof are substantially flush with each other, and the optical surfaces are in a state where the surfaces are substantially flush with each other. 99. The immersion exposure method according to claim 97 or 98, wherein the immersion exposure method is moved relative to the member.   99. The liquid immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 97 to 99, wherein the first and second stages are moved relative to the optical member in a state where they are juxtaposed to each other or close to each other. A device manufacturing method comprising:
Exposing a workpiece using the immersion exposure apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 50;
Developing the exposed workpiece. A device manufacturing method comprising:
Exposing the workpiece using the immersion exposure method according to any one of claims 51 to 100;
Developing the exposed workpiece.

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